ARC has expanded its fleet portfolio with ARC Freedom, a large car and truck carrier reflagged to the United States.[1] The company announced the addition on 25 September.[2] Built in 2011 and previously named Figaro, the vessel carries IMO number 9505041.[1]
The ship has nearly 8,000 car equivalent units of capacity across 13 vehicle decks, including five hoistable decks for cargo of different sizes.[2] Its main deck opening is 6.5 metres high, and its stern ramp can handle rolling loads of up to 320 metric tons.[2] That configuration allows it to carry vehicles, heavy industrial equipment and other project cargo for commercial and government customers.[2]
ARC Freedom will operate in the Maritime Security Program, which makes commercially active vessels available for military sealift during war and national emergencies.[1] The programme retains 60 operating agreements, so this addition does not increase its total ship count.[1] It continues ARC's fleet renewal following the reflagging of ARC Honor and ARC Endeavor in 2024.[1]
Sources: [1] https://gcaptain.com/arc-freedom-expands-u-s-flag-fleet-with-new-sealift-capacity [2] https://www.arcshipping.com/news/arc-freedom-expands-u-s-flagged-fleet